Creamy Kiwi and Banana Smoothie Recipe for Weight Loss

This kiwi banana smoothie is a simple, quick breakfast or snack made with just a few ingredients. It uses Greek yogurt for extra protein and creaminess and a touch of honey for added sweetness. The texture is purposely very thick—grab a spoon or a wide straw.

Note: this post was originally published in 2020 and updated in 2022 with new photos and clarified instructions.

A bright, tangy smoothie is a fast way to boost your energy, and this kiwi banana smoothie delivers both flavor and texture. It combines ripe kiwi for its tart-sweet flavor with a frozen banana for creaminess and natural sweetness. Greek yogurt adds body and protein, while a bit of honey is optional if you prefer a sweeter drink.

This recipe uses ice in place of additional liquid (add only a splash of water if the blender needs help). Using ice makes the smoothie extra cold and thick rather than runny. A thick straw or spoon works best for serving.

Recipe ingredients

Ingredient notes

• Kiwi: Use ripe kiwi for the best flavor. Under-ripe fruit can be overly tart. See the tips below for ripening guidance.
• Frozen banana: The banana should be frozen to give the smoothie a thick, creamy texture. See the tips section for an easy freezing method.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt makes the smoothie richer and thicker. If you prefer a sweeter drink, swap in a flavored yogurt such as strawberry or blueberry.
• Honey: Optional, but helpful to balance tartness from the kiwi. Agave syrup works as a vegan alternative.

Step by step photos

1. Peel the kiwis. You can slice the kiwi in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon, or trim the ends and peel the skin away with a paring knife.

2. Cut the peeled kiwis into quarters so they blend more easily.

3. Add the kiwi, frozen banana, Greek yogurt, and honey (if using) to the blender. A high-powered blender speeds the process, but any blender will work if you blend in short bursts.

4. Blend until smooth. If the mixture struggles to come together, add only a tiny splash of water—too much will thin the smoothie.

5. Add the ice cubes and blend again just until smooth. Avoid over-blending, which can warm and thin the drink.

6. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately. Serve with a thick straw or a spoon for the best experience.

Tips and tricks

How to tell when a kiwi is ripe

A ripe kiwi yields slightly to gentle pressure, similar to a ripe avocado: soft enough to indicate ripeness but still holding its shape without mushy spots. A few overripe spots are fine for blending.

How to ripen and store kiwis

At room temperature, kiwis typically take about 4–5 days to ripen, though harder fruit can take longer. To speed ripening, place kiwis in a paper bag with a ripe banana for a day or two.

Storing kiwis at room temperature

Keep kiwis on the counter out of direct sunlight. Avoid stacking heavy fruit on top, since ripe kiwis are delicate.

Storing kiwis in the fridge

Once ripe, refrigerate kiwis in a paper bag or vented produce bag—ripe fruit will keep about a week. Under-ripe kiwis can be refrigerated for up to two months, but keep them away from ethylene-producing fruits like apples and bananas unless you want them to ripen faster.

How to freeze bananas for smoothies

Peel a ripe banana and place it in a zip-top bag. Remove excess air and seal. Press along the length of the banana through the bag to break it into smaller pieces. This makes it easy to blend without cutting on a board. Label the bag with a date; frozen bananas keep well for 3–4 months.

Recipe FAQs

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